Marcos Wants U.s. Bases In Philippines Beyond 1991

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — President Ferdinand Marcos said Thursday that he favors extending an agreement that would keep U.S military bases in his country beyond 1991, when the current pact expires.

''I am for maintaining the bases, but under clear terms even after 1991,'' Marcos said in an interview. It was his first public statement on the issue.

''I am for the maintenance of a balance of power in Asia, otherwise there will be war in Asia, and that balance of power can be maintained only if those military bases are kept by the United States,'' he said.

Marcos, 68, said he planned to discuss the agreement during his campaign for re-election leading up to snap presidential elections Feb. 7.

A newly formed alliance that supports Corazon Aquino, 52, widow of slain opposition leader Benigno Aquino, is running on a platform calling for dismantling the bases at the end of the pact.

Salvador Laurel, head of the largest opposition coalition, said if elected president, he would call a referendum to decide the issue.

The United States maintains two large military bases in the Philippines. Clark Air Base is home for the 13th Air Force, and Subic Bay Naval Base is a repair and logistics center for the Seventh Fleet.